02 22 2017

$2 suggested donation

Volume 14: Issue 8 February 22 - March 7, 2017

Street

sense

Read more and get involved at www.streetsense.org | The DC Metro Area Street Newspaper | Please buy from badged vendors

Council considers public restrooms Service during MLK Libary renovations

Where to go?

Meeting basic needs in downtown D.C.

Stree tS reflec ense artis t ts Histo on Black ry Mo nth

pgs 1

2-16

Street Sense is the street media center of our nation’s capital. We aim to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating economic opportunities for people who are facing homelessness in our community.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES www.StreetSense.org

How It Works

Check out Ken’s memorial playlist in honor of Al Jarreau : StreetSense.org/al-jarreau

Each vendor func as an independent contractor for Street Sense. That means he or she

See more photos from the public restroom inventory: StreetSense.org

every purchase.

COVER ART Ar tistic interpretation of before and after MLK Library’s renvations and approval of legislation providing for public restrooms in the District.

ILLUSTRATION BY JEFFERY MURRAY

ADVERTISE WITH US streetsense.org/ advertise

- 1317 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 ( 202.347.2006 7 StreetSense.org * info@streetsense.org

Vendors purchase the paper for 50 cents/issue, which will then be sold to you for a suggested dona $2.

Street Sense publishes the newspaper.

75% 75% supports the vendors helping them overcome homelessness and poverty.

Street Sense

Vendors buy the newspaper for 50 cents each.

&

SOCIAL

A new issue comes out every two weeks, but you can stay connected to Street Sense every day!

/streetsensedc

25% costs at Street Sense.

11

The remainder of your supports the vendor.

@streetsensedc /streetsensedc

OUR STORY Street Sense began in August 2003 after Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions with the idea to start a street paper in Washington, D.C. Through the work of dedicated volunteers, Street Sense published its first issue in November 2003. In 2005, Street Sense achieved 501 ( c ) 3 status as a nonprofit organization, formed a board of directors and hired a full-time executive director.

Today, Street Sense is published every two weeks through the efforts of four salaried employees, more than 100 active vendors, and dozens of volunteers. Nearly 30,000 copies are in circulation each month.

1. Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $2.00, I agree not to ask for more than $2.00 or solicit donations for Street Sense by any other means.

2. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense staff and volunteers and will not sell papers to other vendors.

3. I agree to treat all others, including customers, staff, volunteers, and other vendors, respectfully at all times. I will refrain from threatening others, pressuring customers into making a donation, or in engaging in behavior that condones racism, sexism, classism, or other prejudices.

4. I agree not to distribute copies of Street Sense on metro trains and buses or on private property.

5. I agree to abide by the Street Sense vendor territorial policy at all times and will resolve any related disputes I

have with other vendors in a professional manner.

6. I understand that I am not an employee of Street Sense, Inc. but an independent contractor.

7. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when distributing Street Sense.

8. I will not distribute Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

9. I understand that my badge and (if applicable) vest are property of Street Sense, Inc. and will not deface them. I will present my badge when purchasing Street Sense. I will always display my badge when distributing Street Sense.

10. I agree to support Street Sense’s mission statement. In doing so I will work to support the Street Sense community and uphold its values of honesty, respect, support, and opportunity.

© STREET SENSE, INC 2015

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeremy Bratt, Max Gaujean, Margaret Jenny, Robyn Kerr, Jennifer Park, Reed Sandridge, Dan Schwartz, Jeremy Scott, John Senn, Kate Sheppard, Anne Willis EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brian Carome EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eric Falquero COMMUNICATIONS & SALES MANAGER Jeff Gray VENDOR MANAGER Mysa Elsarag EVENTS & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Dani Gilmour INTERNS Ashley Clarke, Bryan Gallion, Ariel Gomez, Ji Kim, Jeffery Murray, Jeanine Santucci WRITERS GROUP LEADERS (VOLUNTEER) Donna Daniels, Susan Orlins, Willie Schatz OPINION EDITORS (VOLUNTEER) Rachel Brody, Arthur Delaney, Britt Peterson EDITORIAL & PAPER SALES VOLUNTEERS Jane Cave, Roberta Haber, Leonie Peterkin, Andrew Siddons, Marian Wiseman, Eugene Versluysen VENDORS Shuhratjon Ahamadjonov, Gerald Anderson, Charles Armstrong, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Aida Basnight, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Melanie Black, Phillip Black Jr., Maryann Blackmon, Viktor Blokhine, Debora Brantley, Andre Brinson, Donald Brown, Joan Bryant, Elizabeth Bryant, Brianna Butler, Melody Byrd, Conrad Cheek, Aaron Colbert, Anthony Crawford, Walter Crawley, Kwayera Dakari, James Davis, Clifton Davis, Charles Davis, David Denny, James DeVaughn, Ricardo Dickerson, Dennis Diggs, Alvin Dixon-El, Ronald Dudley, Charles Eatmon, Deana Elder, Julie Ellis, Jemel Fleming, Chon Gotti, Marcus Green, Barron Hall, Tyrone Hall, Richard Hart Lorrie Hayes, Patricia Henry, Jerry Hickerson, Ray Hicks, Sol Hicks, Rachel Higdon, Ibn Hipps, Leonard Hyater, Joseph Jackson, Carlton Johnson, Donald Johnson, Harold Johnson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, Morgan Jones, Linda Jones, Darlesha Joyner, Juliene Kengnie, Kathlene Kilpatrick, Hope Lassiter, John Littlejohn, James Lott, Scott Lovell, Michael Lyons, Jimmy M. Ken Martin, Joseph Martin, Kina Mathis, Michael Lee Matthew, Authertimer Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Jermale McKnight, Jeffery McNeil, Ricardo Meriedy, Cynthia Mewborn, Kenneth Middleton, Cecil More, L. Morrow, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Earl Parkin, Lucifer Potter, Ash-Shaheed Rabil, Henrieese Roberts, Anthony Robinson, Doris Robinson, Raquel Rodriquez, Lawrence Rogers, Joseph Sam, Chris Shaw, Patty Smith, Smith Smith, Gwynette Smith, Ronald Smoot, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens James Stewart, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Archie Thomas, Shernell Thomas, Craig Thompson, Eric Thompson-Bey, Sarah Turley-Colin, Carl Turner, Jacqueline Turner, Leon Valentine, Grayla Vereen, Ron Verquer, Martin Walker, Michael Warner, Robert Warren, Angelyn Whitehurst, William Whitsett, Wendell Williams, Sasha Williams, Judson Williams III, Ivory Wilson, Denise Wilson, Charles Woods

Listen to our Sounds From the Street podcast!

StreetSense.org/audio Subscribe to our newsletter!

StreetSense.org/newsletter Be Active in the community!

StreetSense.org/calendar

STREET SENSE February 22 - March 7, 2017

3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Attorneys Seek La Casa Plaintiffs for Supreme Court Petition After 7 Years

By Jeanine Santucci jeanine.santucci@streetsense.org A seven-year case against the District government following the closing of La Casa homeless shelter in 2010 has encountered another roadblock as of early January 2017.

Following a dismissal last year from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the volunteer attorneys for the case filed a petition asking that the Supreme Court review the lower court’s ruling. However, they must locate at least one of the original 42 plaintiffs of the case within 60 days to file an updated declaration requesting a fee waiver.

Otherwise, the costs to pursue the case would be prohibitive for the attorneys to move forward.

The case, William Boykin et al. vs.

Muriel Bowser et al., aims to open men’s shelters in the higher-income wards of the District to oppose the city’s pushing out the homeless to “pockets of poverty.”

It began two mayors ago when the shelter was closed during Adrian Fenty’s administration. It was the last minimalrestriction or “low-barrier” shelter in the Northwest quadrant of D.C. and the only bilingual shelter in the city. The majority of its all male residents were Black or Latino and many of them were people with physical or mental disabilities, according to the claims of the case.

YES!

The plaintiffs filed a class action suit claiming that the decision to close the shelter discriminated against its residents on the basis of race, also citing infractions to the Americans with Disabilities Act. They argued that the homeless population in D.C. is a vulnerable minority group protected by the Fair Housing Act based on its demographic makeup: 87 percent African-American and Latino, according to the original 2010 brief. According to a 2016 Point-in-Time count, 72 percent of single people experiencing homelessness identify as Black and 9 percent identify as Hispanic or Latino — still over an 80 percent majority.

However, these broad community demographics were not satisfactory for the U.S. Court of Appeals, which cited a lack of direct evidence for claims of discrimination based on race and disability status.

The dismissal was unfair given the challenges people experiencing homelessness face when giving testimony, according to Jane Zara, one of the attorneys representing the class of homeless men. She referred to the 2014 decision by the Supreme Court to include disparate impact, not just intentional discrimination, under the Fair Housing Act as precedence for this case. “[The La Casa residents] have to go seek shelter in places where there are the least employment opportunities, the least

This is a paid advertisement purchased independently of our news coverage. transportation opportunities, forcing them to leave their communities,” she said in an interview.

The city’s defense also argues that the closing of La Casa and other low-barrier shelters is part of its push toward Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Four years after La Casa closed, 40 PSH units were developed on the site and under the same name. Zara and her team argue that the people who are matched to PSH are not the same people who seek out low-barrier shelter.

Mayor Muriel Bowser is now the defendant of the case, which has been passed down as governments have transitioned. Zara recognizes the work Bowser has done to advocate for opening homeless shelters for families in each ward of the District, but said that single

Black homeless men are not as “politically popular” and are often relegated to the poorest wards.

Zara is hopeful they will reconnect with at least one plaintiff, but acknowledged inherent difficulty in keeping track of people living on the streets and in shelters concentrated in the low-income wards of D.C., where many La Casa residents are believed to have gone.

“We know over the years we’ve lost a lot of plaintiffs in these lawsuits to death and to just leaving or disappearing, so it’s very difficult,” she said. “It’s a David and Goliath thing.” ■ Disclosure: The subjects of this article also purchased an ad in this edition. However, advertisers do not influence our editorial content.

I want to donate: My info: $1500 can cover the cost of printing an issue. $ 1500 Name $1000 can help us orient, train, and support new vendors $ 1000 Address $500 can help purchase needed software $500 $250 can provide badges for 50 vendors $250 $100 Every dollar helps us further our mission! $________ Email

DONATE ONLINE

Street Sense seeks to offer economic opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in our community. Our vendors work hard as self-employed contractors distributing the newspaper, with all proots directly supporting their success.

Comments

Please make checks payable to “Street Sense” and mail to 1317 G Street NW Washington, DC 20005

Library Closure Highlights Need for Downtown Daycenter

By Ashley Clarke and Bryan Gallion Editorial Interns

Jack, local artist and library patron, shows off work he completed at the MLK branch.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY CLARKE

Patrons of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will soon need to find another branch when the downtown library closes for a three-year renovation.

District officials are working to alleviate some of the inconvenience.

The closure is set for 5:30 p.m. on March 4, according to signs plastered all over the building. Online outreach, advertisements, a media briefing and a special edition of the library’s online newsletter, which reaches around 200,000 people, informed the public of the library’s closing.

Signage visible through the front windows of Mar tin King Jr. Memorial Library. | PHOTO BY ASHLEY CLARKE While speculation swirled for several years that the library would be closing in the near future, the selection of an interim “Library Express” at location 1990 K St. NW was announced on June 29, 2016. The public first learned of the flagship library’s official closing date on Feb. 2.

Similar to most any library, MLK patrons check out books, use computers and conduct research. What stands out is that this library was the second in the country to hire a social worker and prioritize assisting people experiencing homelessness.

The MLK branch offers typing classes, clothing repair workshops, adult literacy programs and other special programming for people in those circumstances, not to mention simply a place to escape the

elements. For this reason, city transport vans drop off and pick up shelter residents at the library every morning and evening.

“This library has a lot for the homeless community,” Tonya Bibbs told Street Sense as she used one of the desks at the library to work. “I don’t know where we are going to go.”

Bibbs said she was unaware of the future plans for a temporary library or alternative resources that DCPL plans to set up.

Jack, an artist experiencing homelessness, has been using the MLK library for many years as a space to write, draw and conduct research for his art. He mostly uses the expansive book collection. When he can’t find something in a book, he uses a computer. All his work is an effort to educate himself in hopes of changing his situation.

“I come to take advantage of what’s around me,” Jack said.

The closure will be inconvenient, but the renovations show a sign of progress, according to Jack. He worries about what may happen to some of the homeless patrons during the renovations.

“A lot of people won’t be here when it’s finished,” he said.

The library’s closing indicates systemic failures to help homeless people in the neighborhood, according to community advocate Eric Sheptock.

The First Congregational United Church of Christ, located next to the MLK Library, no longer offers meals and other services to the homeless as it once did before closing for renovation in January 2007.

Catholic Charities D.C., whose office is located across the street from the library and the church, offers meals to homeless people every Wednesday. “[March 8] will be the first Wednesday that they can’t wait in MLK or re-enter the library to eat,” Sheptock wrote in an e-mail.

Using the library as a primary dropoff and pickup location for the shelter vans demonstrates that the government sees the library as a de-facto day center, according to Sheptock. He has been

working with the community surrounding the library to find ways it can offer services to homeless people during the renovations and has approached the D.C. Department of Human Services and the nearby Church of the Epiphany in hopes of arranging a place for homeless people to go during the day.

The Department of Human Services did not reply to requests for comment.

For many, the closing of the library emphasizes the need for a downtown day center for homeless people. A daytime service center would serve as an access point for D.C.’s Interagency Council on Homelessness’ (ICH) coordinated entry system and allow people experiencing homelessness to access homeless prevention assistance, shelter referrals and other supportive services, according to ICH’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan.

During the renovations, the Library Express will operate approximately a 25-minute walk away from the MLK branch. The short-term space will have a small collection of books and 30 public computers. DCPL acknowledges that many of its patrons are experiencing homelessness and will need more than just the Library Express.

Some services normally offered by the MLK Library will be held remotely at various other branches during the

renovation and will focus on what is unique to the branch, according to George Williams, a spokesperson for D.C. Public Library.

“There are some services that we have that can be somewhat duplicative, so instead of recreating the wheel, we’re thinking about how to expand in different ways,” Williams said in an interview.

The Adult Literacy Resource Center and The Center for Accessibility, which offers services to people who are visually impaired or face other accessibility challenges, will both be offered at the Library Express. The hours at many DCPL branches have been expanded.

DCPL will continue to offer many of the same services to the homeless community that it does now. Programs like Coffee and Conversation will be held at a different, yet-to-be-determined location. They will continue to partner with organizations with resources for the homeless community, such as Pathways to Housing, whose mission is to transform lives by ending homelessness and supporting recovery for people with disabilities.

“Customers without homes come to the library to use the exact same things that other customers that have homes come to use,” Williams said, citing public access computers as a prime example. ■

STREET SENSE February 22 - March 7, 2017

5

COVER STORY

COMMUNITY OPINIONS:

A group of people loiters in front of a library named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who lived so that they would not be idle. On a frequent basis, K2 synthetic drugs are dealt and abused in this space.

Not only does that dishonor The Dream, but it is what children see when they come to the library before ever accessing the educational tools within. | THE ANTI-APATHETIC

What Do We Do Now?

So Long, MLK Library

By Gerald Anderson Artist/Vendor

By Amin Massey Artist/Vendor

It’s a big letdown. Not only for the homeless people but for the people who work at Martin Luther King Library. Right now, the train takes them right to their work and I see them twice every day.

Selling my papers across the street, I look at this library all day long. Often tourists and local people come out of the Metro and ask me where is the Martin Luther King Library?

So many people ask me about this library. Some mens I know go there to use computers, looking for jobs. They fill that big ol' computer room there. I know from the people askin’ me about this library that it mean a lot to a lot of people.

Another reason I know it mean a lot to them is because it mean a lot to me. Inside that library is where I did my first book talk. This library was the key that opened the door to make my book successful.

Copies of my book, “Still Standing,” sit on the shelves of this library.

I don’t sit down often in the library to know handfirst what goes on, but people tell me a lot about what happens in there.

They’ve been sayin’ it was gonna close for a while. But whoever decided to give only a couple weeks notice of the specific day, did you look at the shoes of the homeless people who come to your library? What if they was on your feet?

I really feel the people who spend their days at the library, with nowhere else but the street to go to, should have more notice given to them that they will soon have to spend their days outside of the library. I feel real bad about the homeless people gonna be stuck out on the street with nowhere to go. That gonna cause a lot of problem.

I can’t really say they don’t have another door to go through. Yeah, there are smaller libraries around. But some of these guys will end up hangin’ on the

street in front of Starbucks and other places. Believe me when I say I see the street and the trouble it bring.

It’s like we lost Obama. (This new President gonna hang hisself because he signin’ papers and he don’t know what he signin’.) And now, we losin’ the library. I say, that’s our library because it’s Martin Luther King. A lot of people feel that way.

I’m not saying it’s a racist thing, but it’s gonna be so much more security around it when they remodel it.

Sometimes the library do need security, because I seen people get thrown out and barred for havin’sex goin’ on inside there.

K2 goin’ on in there too. I see so much.

So what’s the new step to help the homeless people for their routine? They will be stuck outside now with nothin’ to do. If I didn’t have Street Sense, I would be in those nothin’-to-do shoes with them. I know a guy who was barred from the library because he drinks. He come to me and I talk to him. He listen to me. Now he a Street Sense vendor with a purpose, because of me. He so proud.

Believe me when I say I see the street and the trouble it bring.

I hope and pray there’s some place that that can open up to help these homeless people and keep them from stayin’ on the street and gettin’ into trouble and to help them with their job search and whatever they need to do.

Sure homeless people need somethin’ to eat, but they need “food” for they mind too.

My book, “Still Standing,” is available in Kindle and paperback on Amazon.com

The 3-year closure of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library — the District's largest — is a milestone that ends years of negotiating how to improve a piece of prime downtown real estate. Debates had ranged among closing the library, moving it, or adding residential units where, due to "safety concerns," occupants could veto any proposal about homeless citizens living in the vicinity.

The latest plans for the new building include adding a rooftop terrace and an additional level of development for city residents to enjoy the transformation of a parcel of this transient city's downtown area in to a greener, more accessible space.

However, because MLK has for many years been a drop-off point for the city's homeless residents, its closing will require these residents to be transported elsewhere for their day programs. Another possible negative fallout is that after the renovations are completed, constituents and lawmakers will neither want nor permit citizens to meander aimlessly around a now-exclusive building without a defined purpose.

The takeaway is that the times are always changing in D.C. and all of us should be aware of the dynamic landscape that awaits. MLK has helped and sheltered children and adults from in and out of town for decades. Now developers have apparently discovered a new way to capitalize on that immense population.

Not My Scene

By Levester Green, Artist/Vendor

In spite of its historical significance here in the District, I can't really say that I am or ever was a big fan of the MLK Library.

It seemed like each week a new display or interesting event would be taking place there, which was good. And sure, there was lots of space. But the computers were slow to connect and I just didn't really feel like it was my type of crowd there.

However, quite a few of the Street Sense staffers, vendors, and workshop leaders seemed to enjoy making use of all of that space. Our digital marketing (blogging) group would meet there before eventually relocating our meetings back to Street Sense headquarters. I won't forget our time spent there, meeting weekly at the library.

MLK Library

By Derian Hickman, Artist/Vendor It’s kinda weird that one week after Black History Month ends, MLK Library will be closing for renovations. Most people are aware of civil rights movements throughout our history thanks to photos, films, books and other materials kept in our libraries.

Looking forward, it's important to learn from our past, celebrate advancement and be active in our government to shape a better future together. Thanks to all who have contributed and have a great Black History Month.

Read more essays about Black History Month starting on pg 12.

District Residents Tell Congress “Keep Hands Off D.C.”

By Ariel Gomez ariel.gomez@streetsense.org “Hands off DC,” chanted a group of almost a hundred District residents gathered near the U.S. Capitol Building Monday, Feb. 13. The “Hands Off D.C.” demonstration was held as the House Oversight Committee voted on whether to invalidate a D.C. law legalizing assisted suicide.

Joined by local city officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, they rallied in an effort to tell Congress to respect D.C.’s voters.

Even though the law passed through local D.C. government under the Home Rule Act, D.C. has to submit all of its laws to Congress for oversight. If both chambers pass a disapproval resolution and the president signs it within 30 legislative days, the legislation becomes legally null.

“We are here because we believe it is our local elected officials who should determine our laws, not Congress members who live two thousand miles away,” said Councilmember At-Large Robert C. White Jr. to the crowd. “When you say that you stand on the principle of small government, then you have to stand on that principle even when it is not convenient.”

Chairman of the House Oversight

Committee Jason Chaffetz, a Utah Republican, leads the movement to stop the “Death with Dignity” law approved by the D.C. Council and signed by Mayor Bowser.

In response, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, among others, urged D.C.residents to speak out and hear D.C.’s voice.

“Tell Representative Chaffetz and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to keep their #HandsOffDC as they vote to override the

Mayor Bowser addresses a child at the rally outside of the U.S. capitol building.

PHOTO BY ARIEL GOMEZ

will of District residents,” a Facebook invitation from Councilman Allen said.

The law was introduced to the D.C. Council by Ward 3 Councilwoman Mary Cheh.

In a statement on her website she said, “I introduced the Death with Dignity Act of 2015 to give dying patients greater choice and control over their final moments.

If this bill becomes law, terminally-ill patients with a diagnosis of six months or less to live will become eligible to apply for a medication to end his or her life when the pain and suffering of the disease becomes unbearable.”

Among the attendees at the rally, held at the Spirit of Justice Park, were Shadow Senators Paul Strauss and Michael Donald Brown, Shadow Congressman Franklin Garcia, and D.C. Delegate to the House of Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton, who said she is tired of having to defend D.C.’s laws to Congress.

“This is D.C., it’s not just the capital of the United States, it’s almost 7,000 living, breathing, tax-paying citizens who come this session to say we are not going to be bullied out of our laws,” she said. “We are not asking them to agree with us. We understand that this bill is controversial, but vote for ‘Death with Dignity,’ vote for local democracy.”

During the demonstration, Mayor Bowser, who many at the rally referred

to as Governor Bowser, also expressed her desire to keep Congress away from D.C. local law.

“We take care of ourselves — we are no more dependent on the federal government than any other state. We have 21 consecutively balanced budgets... We are the fastest improving urban school district anywhere in the United States... Almost a thousand people are moving here each and every month,” said Bowser at the rally.

“The best thing the federal government can do for us is leave us alone.”

These sentiments were shared by all of D.C.’s elected officials present at the rally and by the residents in attendance.

Councilmembers David Grosso, Robert White Jr., Mary Cheh, Brandon T. Todd, Charles Allen, Kenyan McDuffie, Elissa Silverman and Brianne Nadeau were all present at the rally.

The night of the rally the House committee voted 22 to 14 to block the Death with Dignity law, which must now move through other Congressional channels.

“As the only residents in the United States of America who pay taxes, but have no vote, they must at least respect our laws,” added White, Jr. “Jason Chaffetz, we did not elect you, you do not speak for us, go back to Utah. It looks like you have your hands full there.” ■

Activists Rally Around Bonds' Rent Control Bill

By Mark Rose Volunteer D.C. Councilmembers attended a recent 25th anniversary celebration for the D.C. Tenants’ Advocacy Coalition in order to drum up support for the Rental Housing Affordability Stabilization Amendment Act, introduced by At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds January 10.

The next step for the bill would be hearings before the D.C. Housing Committee, though TENAC chairman Jim McGrath said in an e-mail to Street Sense that he thinks none are yet scheduled.

Tenants’ rights advocates and other supporters are pushing for community support to get the bill through the Council to become law.

D.C. is one of the last urban jurisdictions in the country that still has rent control and two-thirds of District residents – roughly 300,000 people – are apartment renters, according to McGrath. These laws protect elderly and disabled tenants, among others, from high rental fees. McGrath warned the crowd assembled at Sumner School that rising rents in low-income communities east of the river are pushing those with lower

incomes out to the city’s fringes.

He noted in an e-mail that rents have increased 54 percent on rentcontrolled properties in the District in the past 10 years.

“Gentrification is all over the city,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, “and people are headed to Wards 7 and 8.”

Gray took advantage of the opportunity to reference his past commitments to affordable housing as former mayor of the city, while urging those assembled to support the rental housing amendment.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us; we are the victims of our own success,” Gray said. “The money must be able to go back to the people to enable them to live in the city.” A lot of people in the city want to stay here to live but can’t because rental prices force them out, he explained, saying that for a family whose income is only $35,000 per year, the government’s investment has to be “huge.”

In a show of solidarity for these wards, TENAC unanimously elected Kim Harris of Ward 8 to its board of directors. Harris was applauded for organizing a tenant association at Marbury Plaza Apartments, a low-income rent-controlled complex.

McGrath described the rent control

bill as preserving affordable housing in the face of rapid gentrification. It would amend the 1985 Rental Housing Act to eliminate landlords’ ability to increase rent by up to 30 percent when an apartment becomes vacant – capping that increase instead at 5 percent. It would also hold rent increases on rent-controlled apartments to five percent and remove a 2 percent “add-on” rent increase landlords can choose to implement.

Counclimembers Cheh, Evans, Grosso, S i l v e r m a n a n d Tr a y o n W h i t e a l s o attended to show their support for the rent control amendment.

Supporting such legislation had to be considered in the context of President Trump’s administration, Gray added. “We have fought so hard for so many things in this city … We have to resolve we will continue to fight. This stuff won’t go around unless we fight to make it go around.”

Though the bonds bill has nearunanimous support from D.C. Council, McGrath of TENAC fears landlord lobbyists.

“There is still the sausage making of the legislative process,” he wrote in an e-mail.

“Fierce opposition from the strong real estate lobby, the Apartment and Office Buidings Association, may somehow alter

things. The lawyers are canny. We should not count our chickens before they hatch.”

Because the District is a sanctuary city, the Trump administration’s crackdown on such could cut off $3.7 billion in Medicaid and other funding for needy D.C. residents, noted Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans “The stakes are high; they are really high,” he told the group. He urged citizens to be activists – to go down to the Wilson Building to visit personally with their councilmember.

Joel Cohn, legislative counsel to TENAC’s Office of Tenant Advocacy, gave examples of what activists can accomplish when it comes to tenants’ rights. He told the assembled that his office had contributed to capping late fees for monthly rental payments at five percent and had removed the ability to evict people just for owing late fees.

Entire communities have been displaced by gentrification projects and the people who depended on those communities have no place to go, according to Parisa Norouzi of Empower D.C. She added that the average age of homeless adults in D.C. is 27.

“Make sure you see the councilmember,” Evans said, “don’t let them pass you off on some staffer.” ■

STREET SENSE February 22 - March 7, 2017

7

NEWS

Nancy Ware:

On the Intersection of Public Safety & Second Chances

By Cassidy Jensen Editorial Intern When a D.C. resident returns to Washington after a prison term, they may not know what awaits them. They may not have seen family or friends in years; have few employment prospects, or have no place to live in a city with rising rents.

That’s where Nancy Ware and CSOSA come in. She’s been pursuing innovative safety-net partnerships for five years.

“It’s really hard for [ex-offenders] to take advantage of some of the services that we offer to help them stabilize in their lives,” said Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency Director Nancy Ware, who was appointed by President Obama to lead the agency for a six-year term, which ends next year.

CSOSA is charged both with providing probation and parole services for D.C. Code offenders in D.C. The portion of the supervision population they serve that are exiting incarceration come from prisons controlled by the Federal Bureau Prisons, which are spread throughout the country.

More than 1000 offenders supervised by CSOSA live in unstable housing, or 11 percent of all people supervised by the agency. Nine percent are considered homeless while 2 percent are considered to be living without a fixed address or with housing instability.

Certain populations are more vulnerable to becoming homeless while under CSOSA’s purview, including people with serious mental illnesses, the elderly, and those returning from long sentences.

Housing seniors with major medical problems is a significant challenge, since they often cannot live in shelters, which are frequently unequipped to provide constant medical care or accommodate wheelchairs. “It’s always a creative juggling act for us in our staff to make sure we have the options for them that will help them be stable,” Ware said in an interview with Street Sense.

Sometimes, individuals can be matched with transitional housing, but the limited housing CSOSA has available is reserved for people who are the highest risk. A recent Memorandum of Understanding with the D.C. Housing Authority increasingly allows people returning

from incarceration to live with family members in D.C. public housing.

It allows people vetted by CSOSA to reunite with family and secure housing without increased rent for a period of 18 months, according to D.C. Housing Authority spokesperson Christy Goodman.

After that time, if the housing authority’s waitlist were open, the program participant could apply for housing through DCHA. Out of approximately 30 people who have applied to the pilot program so far, one third has been accepted. “DCHA is happy to help families reunite,” Goodman said in an interview with Street Sense.

CSOSA supervision officers sometimes struggle to engage with homeless CSOSA clients who find housing in shelters, where it can be harder to contact them and help them meet basic living needs, according to Ware.

Reentry in D.C. comes with unique challenges that can negatively impact returning citizens’ ability to find stable housing and employment. In part because D.C. offenders can be incarcerated in prisons as far away as California, many lose contact with family and friends during incarceration, and this lack of a support network makes reintegration to society difficult.

For those released after long prison terms, the District they return to looks different than the one they left. “I’ve been a resident here all my life, I go in certain neighborhoods and I don’t recognize them anymore,” Ware said.

These changes can make finding safe and affordable housing even more difficult.

The District’s 2014 ban the box law, which prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their arrest history, has eased some of the burden on returning citizens searching for employment.

H o w e v e r, o v e r c o m i n g e m p l o y e r s ’ reluctance to hire formerly incarcerated workers still presents an obstacle for CSOSA. “They still have the sense that

if you get incarcerated that you can’t be trusted. So once you’re incarcerated, you’re incarcerated for life,” Ware said.

The agency has found success working with select construction companies and hotels, the Courtyard Marriott in particular, that will hire individuals under supervision. CSOSA also works with the Department of Small and Local Business Development’s “Aspire to Entrepreneurship” program, which provides entrepreneurship training to returning citizens. CSOSA is now developing a similar program of their own.

Apart from matching their clients with employers, CSOSA strives to prepare them for the workforce by helping to navigate transportation, child care, time management and other life skills necessary for working. They also provide vocational and educational services such as GED classes and technology training.

The crucial work for ensuring a smooth reentry process occurs in prison, when people scheduled for release can learn about services they may need after release. However, D.C. offenders are dispersed throughout the country in federal prisons and the Bureau of Prisons must also coordinate with other state entities besides D.C., meaning that CSOSA’s work in prisons is not the Bureau’s top priority.

CSOSA gets around this obstacle by holding community resource days via video conference, where community and faith based organizations and agencies talk with incarcerated people in 26 institutions.

“That’s really monumental, that’s really unheard of,” Ware said. She described people frequently approaching CSOSA after release, asking about resources that they heard about while incarcerated.

The agency considers reentry a success when people under supervision have met

the terms of their supervision, are crimefree and have housing, employment and treatment, if needed. However, successful completion of CSOSA supervision does not necessarily mean they will remain stable. “Sometimes they leave our supervision and they’ve had all of these structures around them and then they are free from supervision, they don’t have anyone that they can call if they lose their job, lose their housing, or are not able to continue their treatment,” Ware said. At that point, District agencies are responsible for maintaining a safety net for vulnerable individuals.

CSOSA’s mission requires balancing the need to keep District residents safe from crime with providing those under supervision with every opportunity to succeed. “Philosophically, we believe in second chances, and we believe that people can change and that their history doesn’t define their future,” Ware said.

While she touted CSOSA’s success rate, Ware said that sometimes their clients do return to criminal activity, sometimes for reasons outside of the individual's’ control, such as poor treatment of mental illnesses.

According to Ware, CSOSA is currently developing an exit survey to gather honest feedback from those under supervision about how the agency can improve their services. Ware said that in recent years, CSOSA has improved their approaches to offer more incentives to support their clients while holding them accountable.

How CSOSA’s clients will fare under a Trump presidency is uncertain. “We’ll have to see what the new administration has in store, philosophically, for this population,” Ware said. “I’m optimistic because I think we have to maintain our optimism and maintain our commitment to what we do and how we do it and the fact that we do it well.” ■

Nowhere to “Go”

A growing need for 24/7 public restrooms in D.C.

By Ji Kim ji.kim@streetsense.org

“There used to be a bathroom there,” Jeff Watson said, pointing to where P Street and Dupont Circle meet.

In between panhandling, he added, “At night, a lot of people used to hang out there and smoke weed and guys would also do ‘stuff.’”

Watson is referring to “comfort stations,” public restrooms that were once available throughout D.C. in places such as Franklin Park and Dupont Circle. But the District started closing down the stations during the 1950s for reasons including economic hardships and new laws requiring restaurants and hotels to provide restrooms. At that time, The Washington Post reported news such as Assistant United States Attorney Warren Wilson declaring comfort stations to be “cesspools of perversion” in 1950 and “District Balks Sex Deviates by Closing 2 Comfort Stations” in 1951. By the turn of the millennium, “comfort station” had become an outdated term and building itself.

“But we need public restrooms” is the growing cry among advocates, public officials, visitors and citizens alike. The People for Fairness Coalition’s Downtown D.C. Public Restroom Committee has been championing the need for clean, safe, accessible and available public restrooms. In 2015, the group carried out an inventory of downtown D.C. and made a striking conclusion: there are only three public 24/7 restrooms available in all of the District (Union Station, Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial). A year later, they conducted a followup inventory that observed discrimination against people lacking stable housing.

To date, the committee’s inventories have been the only investigations done regarding public restroom availability in the city. In response, Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau and her staff drafted and introduced a bill that would establish a task force to plan how and where D.C. could install public restrooms.

Janet Sharp, a PFFC committee member, described the fine details PFFC examined in the first inventory: “We weren’t just going in and going out. We looked at everything—is the floor clean, are the lights bright enough, is the seat wobbly, does the lock work —

Janet Sharp presents PFFC’s Downtown D.C. Public Restroom Committee investigations.

PHOTO BY IAN ERASMUS

everything.”

Sharp also underlined the lack of signage outside of the immediate area: “If you’re new or don’t know the city,

you won’t even be able to find these few bathrooms.”

They selected five areas — Gallery Place, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, the K Street Corridor and Columbia Heights — that fit two criteria: heavy foot traffic and large concentrations of individuals lacking housing. The committee found that out of the 85 establishments they visited, 42 allowed them to use the restroom.

In the follow-up inventory, they revisited the 42 facilities that allowed them to use the restroom in the prior year. PFFC mentor and advisor Marcia Bernbaum dressed in “nice clothing” while PFFC member Robert Everett dressed in a “large tattered jacket” and walked “unevenly.” All of the facilities allowed Bernbaum to freely use the restroom. Everett was accompanied to the restroom at two facilities, and four places refused him access altogether.

Ten of those 42 facilities had also placed locks on their restroom doors since the initial inventory. Bernbaum said individual judgement calls, rather than overarching company policies, ultimately determined the outcome: “At one nice restaurant the first receptionist denied Robert, but the second time it was a different person and she let him in.”

John McDermott, committee member and PFFC co-founder, elaborated on how the lack of public restrooms is especially a problem for people experiencing homelessness, “Those who look homeless often get turned away...[it] might not be such a problem if you look nice, you can ask any place, but for people who don’t look nice...where would they go? Where do those people go when they need to use the bathroom?”

In a cup, answered Jim Mitchell during an interview on the street. Albeit, he added, in an emergency. Mitchell has been experiencing homelessness in D.C. for about ten years. From his sleeping bag he pointed to the businesses that allow him to use the restroom. As for the night?

“I try to drain it out,” Mitchell said, explaining that he stops drinking anything toward the evening. He paused to further think about the campaign for public restrooms.

“It’s a good idea,” he said, “but they have to be set up so that they’re not used for illicit actions. Otherwise, the community will not tolerate it.”

Mitchell also understood the discrimination against homeless individuals that the committee had observed in their study. “Honestly, some of the homeless just aren’t aware anymore,” Mitchell said, “and I’ve cleaned up after some of them so that someone doesn’t blame me for messing up a bathroom.”

Robert Warren, PFFC’s executive director, spoke similarly at a Street Sense vendor advocacy group meeting: “It’s true, some of the homeless do mess up the bathrooms and then everyone gets the blame for that.”

“But you don’t know that,” Sheila White countered at the meeting, “I’ve cleaned bathrooms at a government building that requires ID’s to get in—it wasn’t open to the public, and those bathrooms? They were just as filthy.”

Warren maintained his middle ground that some, not all, homeless individuals are at fault for poor restroom sanitation. However, he conceded that restrooms seem to become dirty regardless of who uses them, relating his similar experiences cleaning non-public bathrooms.

Now, the committee is continuing to lobby D.C. Council and other organizations with the results of their inventories. They refer to possible solutions such as the Portland Loo; self-cleaning toilets like the ones in San Francisco; and other cities’ models of incentivizing businesses to make their restrooms public. Bernbaum stressed that the locations of the restrooms and community support will be critical in maintaining both

The women’s restroom inside the Jefferson Memorial at 2am.

PHOTO BY IAN ERASMUS

safety and availability, noting safety issues faced in other cities such as increased crime inside the restrooms.

A new committee member brought the discussion back to the greater safety issue: D.C.’s health problem. Andrew Jones is a part of Asepsis, a non-profit collaborative fighting sanitation crises around the world. “We have sanitation issues in California, in Flint, and the more and more I delved into it, I realized that we have a problem right here in D.C., the very capital of America.”

Jones addressed the concern that the committee’s focus on public restrooms would take away from their ultimate goal: to end homelessness, to give people homes. “I understand their concerns full-heartedly,” Jones said, “Tackling homelessness starts with the basics: sanitation. Without that cornerstone of a society, we can’t build upon it.”

The bill has been referred to D.C. Council’s Committee on Health. While an official hearing has yet to be scheduled, the PFFC Downtown D.C. Public Restroom Committee testified at the annual Performance Oversight Hearing for the Committee on Health on February 17.

They cited evidence of health problems from holding in bodily waste, hardships for the restroom-challenged — especially seniors and women — and predicted economic boosts from increased foot traffic and less human waste removal.

The Committee is reaching out to D.C. communities in order to keep building awareness. They currently have the endorsement of the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions of Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle, the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and most recently the Potomac Communications Group.

The bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Grosso, Silverman, White, Allen, and Bonds.

“When Councilmember Nadeau told me she wanted to

STREET SENSE February 22 - March 7, 2017

9

COVER STORY

establish a Public Restrooms Task Force, I wanted to add my support,” At-Large Councilmember Robert White Jr. wrote in an e-mail to Street Sense. “It’s a challenge for our homeless and disabled residents, not to forget about our tourists, to find public restrooms. When a homeless person in desperate need of a restroom sees a sign in a business that reads ‘restrooms for patrons only,’ it’s a tough daily reminder of how much we need more public restrooms.”

Awareness of the bill is growing, but Warren reminded the advocacy group of another focus: “We want to really call out to the community and not always put pressure on the government. The government will do what the people need.

We’ve got to mobilize—it’s the people— people—people.” ■

Handwritten outof-service sign on a restroom stall inside the Jefferson Memorial.

10 Blocks

PHOTO BY IAN ERASMUS

By Sheila White Artist/Vendor

T

o M a y o r B o w s e r, D . C . C o u n c i l m e m b e r s a n d Representative Norton: We need restrooms in this city for everyone to use. I once walked more than ten blocks, from Gallery Place to George Washington University Hospital, before someone let me use the bathroom. Metro stations will not let me or anyone into their restrooms. The stores I regularly buy from would not let me in, they said their restrooms were locked or closed. Of course, the situation was becoming more urgent as time passed. If I didn’t make it, I would have been

too embarrassed to catch the bus I needed.

People of all ages need access to a restroom. Most stores keep locks on them. Other states have restrooms for the people to use, why not our nation’s capital? We need you to pass a bill that will make restrooms available for everyone in the District: children, seniors, pregnant women, tourists, people with various medical conditions and yes, people who live in the streets. It’s about dignity; it’s about sanitation; it’s about meeting the basic biological needs of your constituents.

Combo Locks & Other Commode Confines

By Levester Green Artist/Vendor

I

found it rather odd when Whole Foods suddenly wanted to install a combination lock on its bathrooms. It seemed clear out of the blue and upset me a bit. My thought was “oh great, another inconvenience for getting to the bathroom.” I wondered why though?

Combination lock on a restroom door at the Whole Foods on Eye St. NW. PHOTO BY JI KIM

There had been no incident. It was plain and simply to send a message to those only wanting bathroom service: you’re not welcome. I kind of always thought Whole Foods was above that type of singling out behavior simply by their reputation of being big charity contributors that help those less fortunate than say, their employees.

Well, it played out just as I envisioned it would: not pretty! Frankly, they should have saw it coming too. The lock ended up malfunctioning. Could’ve been due to all of the combination switching. I mean they just really kept people guessing!

Perhaps it was for their amusement, because now I see a newly placed “Whole Foods food only” sign on the microwave.

What makes a company want to suddenly up and add locks like it’s all the latest rage, trend, and fad!? Whole Foods is supposed to be setting the standard for the community as a leader in their field, not following the latest craze. I’ll keep hope alive for them though and stay on my toes as far as being a bathroom guest. Guesswork goes!

Overnight One of the most challenging aspects of being homeless is having to use the

toilet overnight! How does one manage and cope with such a dilemma?! Well, I can’t speak for others, but I’ve managed to be pretty creative and accident free: from holding still all night to seeking out the proper facilities for relief.

Recently I noticed a sign posted at one of my spots, stating that a new security guard would be assigned and “security” restored — so I haven’t bothered to return there. Instead, I have had to rely on backup spots. I want to keep my own personal dwelling a secret, but as for standard back-ups, you have 24-hour McDonald’s with the lobby open and other 24-hour dining spots such as IHOP or Steak & Eggs (although it’s a pretty tight fit in there — they are not known for their available size, space, or room).

I’ve even seen folks get managers’ permission to use 7 Eleven’s rest rooms.

Hotels are another possibility too. Please plan ahead in order to stay safe and accident free! Everyone is susceptible.

Rise and Shine!

It’s 5 a.m. and Metro has just opened their gates, thus the day has begun.

Only, you need relief quick! Panera doesn’t open until 6! Wait, but Starbucks opens at 5:30! Oops — forgot we got

banned for 5 years from both Panera and Starbucks. So, no bueno on those fronts.

You got Chick-fil-A left, who opens at 6:30. But can you hold it that long though?! ... Whatchu gonna do dawg?!

No doo-doo!

Ok Sunshine, it’s Sunday morning so you sleep in a little later until 6 a.m., with the same problems except it’s Sunday — so they’ll be no Chick-fil-A to the rescue at 6:30 a.m. and you’re still barred from Starbucks and Panera. But wait, ‘lo and behold, you thank GOD for the brand new Dunkin’ Donuts that does breakfast, so they open at 6! Right on time! #Blessed!~

Portable Awoke to see a Jiffy John in the middle of the street! I couldn’t figure it out, except maybe perhaps it was for us homeless guys. So I took it for granted, missing the photo opportunity and thinking it would actually still be there later. This was just the other morning now, mind you. Yeah, that would’ve been some solution — barring the inevitable collision bound to happen due to the location, huh?!

Trump Must Go

By Shana Holmes I would like to know if I or we, as a community, can get some help to get President Donald Trump removed from office. I believe he is trying to destroy the United States with his dangerous plans.

Trump is talking about putting up a wall to block immigrants from coming over our southern border with Mexico. He also wants to send those already living here back to their home countries and prevent

Don’t Give in to Liberal Groupthink relatives from coming into the U.S. I feel this is not fair to those that were born here and those who already live here and still have relatives here. I believe that if we as a community come together, we should be able to remove Trump from office. I am afraid that if he does not get out of office there will be a war here.

Shana Holmes is a vendor/artist for Street Sense.

America’s Citizens Must Come to Its Aid

By Jackie Turner Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. America is in turmoil at this time. There is division in just about every category. People need to think about what to do to be united and strong. I love the U.S. and don’t want it to fall. People need to look for the good in the U.S., not what we have done wrong.

Nothing is perfect. We do try to help people, and I think the U.S. does more good than harm. People come from all over the world to be a part of America – if

it is as bad as some say, why would they?

They come to stay and sometimes end up taking the U.S. and its freedom for granted. Please do not let your great nation decline because people are not willing to work to keep it free and strong. Change is good sometimes, but basic values should not change. Equality, freedom, education. Respect one another and love one another.

Jackie Turner is a vendor/artist for Street Sense.

By Jeffery McNeil Before I came to Washington, I wanted to help people. I never saw those with whom I disagreed as my enemies, I just had a different approach to helping others. I believed the best way to help others was teach them how to help themselves. In order to succeed, you must fail and make mistakes. What I learned in Washington was those that claimed to be champions of the poor were never about changing the causes that keep poor people trapped in poverty.

Liberals want to maintain, manage and regulate people’s poverty.

Maybe growing up in New Jersey trained me to have a healthy skepticism of groupthink. I grew up in the hood, and I observed and steered clear of the bad eggs that resided where I lived. I played basketball and saw the best – Kenny Anderson, Chris Mullin, Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson. I learned early on if you want to play ball, you have to win; no one has time for excuses and sob stories. Life isn’t fair but sometimes you are placed in live or die situations. That’s why I have no sympathy for the Hillary zombats and Obamanites. Obstacles and challenges are part of life; blaming Republicans for obstruction is equivalent to the Falcons blaming the Patriots for not winning the Super Bowl.

I guess my break from groupthink began with my father. I lived in an ethnic neighborhood and one day I was invited out for ice cream. All the White kids’ parents would give them allowances.

I asked my father to borrow money. He took me to the garage and showed me a lawnmower and told me to learn to cut grass. I started with three lawns, and until I had fifteen lawns, I mowed.

I believed in the racist narrative of poverty but learned quickly the limits of helping your people. I wanted to cater to my Black neighbors but many were stingy and cheap. They wanted you to do a lot of work but didn’t want to pay you; I didn’t have headaches with my wealthier White neighbors.

I had one customer who told me to read Benjamin Graham’s “Intelligent Investor.”

I started learning finance by purchasing the Wall Street Journal; I learned there are two kinds of people, those that work for money and those that have money working for them. That’s why I can’t listen to people whine about racism and injustice; Jim Crow existed, but a Black man could have bought the S&P 500 stock during segregation, sold it during the civil rights movement and bought a thousand properties in White neighborhoods. If you bought Wal-Mart stock during the turmoil of the late sixties and sold during George W. Bush’s first term, you would be part of

the millionaires and billionaires Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders rails about.

Liberals make terrible investors because they’re too emotional. In finance, you can’t let your emotions get in the way of events; it doesn’t matter how you feel, the market is telling you something. You can’t be rigid and ideological in finance. If you’re losing, cut your losses and get out.

There’s a double standard with the left regarding identity politics. They have gay, women and queer studies but if a man wants to celebrate their history and accomplishments they’re called misogynists. Identity politics is segregation in reverse. Why can’t men start a masculine studies course? If Blacks, Latinos and women can form their own caucuses, why can’t White men band together and form a congressional White caucus? You can’t say you’re for diversity, then have Black or women’s institutions. You can’t say you want to be acknowledged as a group or identity and expect Whites not want to acknowledge their history.

“I learned early on if you want to play ball, you have to win; no one has time for excuses and sob stories.”

I say this with no malice or hostility because we all should take an interest in what’s happening to our republic. It’s not about Black or White; it’s about wrong and right. Dissent isn’t about whether I agree or disagree with you. It’s about the consequences of the choices we make. I don’t hate progressives, but I refuse to let them dictate what I can or cannot do. Liberals have monopolized the conversation on social justice, and their ideas have been destructive to the masses. If the Democratic Party can’t comprehend or entertain other perspectives, they need to die like the Whigs so a workers’ party can emerge and represent the masses better.

Jeffery McNeil is a vendor/artist for Street Sense.

Have an opinion about how homelessness is being handled in our community? Street Sense maintains an open submission policy and prides itself as a newspaper that elevates community voices and fosters healthy debate. Send your thoughts to opinion@streetsense.org.

Why D.C.’s Homeless Can’t ‘Just Get a Job’

By Julie Turner Why don’t they just get a job? Why don’t they move? Why don’t they?

These questions come up time and time again from well-intentioned people referring to my case management clients: people who are homeless.

The answer is simple: It costs a lot to live in Washington, D.C., and employment opportunities that pay $29 per hour – the salary needed for one person to afford decent, safe, modest and affordable housing without a subsidy – are hard to find.

More importantly, even as the city becomes more diverse in terms of gender, race and ethnicity, some are still unwelcome; you can’t live in Washington, D.C., if you are poor, and if you are poor, others would like you to go unseen.

Homeless people wreck the view.

In an effort to broaden the District’s tax base, the city developed blocks and blocks of repetitive shopping and outrageously priced apartments and condos. Over the last 20 years, the trend has become glitzy little neighborhoods with expensive trendy shops, high-end grocery stores, coffee shops, bistros and bike shares. One hundred thousand new residents have flocked to the city over the last 10 years to enjoy all the benefits of hip shopping, good eats and granite countertops, thrilled with the prospect of living at a “nice” address in the nation’s capital: a human rights city. There is so much eye candy block by block, it’s surprising everyone’s not on insulin.

But as housing prices have skyrocketed, lifelong D.C. residents whose families have lived here for generations have

been forced out, or worse, forced to live outdoors or in the shelters.

City government made the decision two decades ago to invest in luxury lifestyles rather than poor residents.

Years of misplaced priorities have compromised the real issue of income i n e q u a l i t y, i n c l u s i v e o f g a i n f u l employment and safe affordable housing. The city neglected the needs of its poorest residents and went full steam ahead with developers, many of whom don’t even live in Washington or have a personal investment other than loads of cash and property in marginalized neighborhoods.

The needs of the District’s poor were ignored then and now, and poverty spurred by greed has multiplied. Rent control options have dwindled, and some units aren’t even made available to low- or moderate- income residents. Development companies now often place their employees in affordable units as a perk.

The result is an increase in homelessness and housing insecurity. City officials are scrambling to stop the bleeding.

Rather than hold developers and businesses accountable and demand businesses coming into the city address the issue through affordable housing units and gainful employment opportunities, respectively, and proportionate to the actual need, the city administration began enforcing ridiculous mandates like encampment sweeps and the construction of narrow park benches with a midline barrier so people can’t sleep. Businesses installed spikes in window storefronts so people can’t sit. WMATA, with all its financial woes, altered bus shelter seating so people can’t make a bed for the night.

In some places, seating is removed altogether.

Criminalizing homelessness or making poor people feel unwelcome doesn’t remedy the problem of housing insecurity, underemployment and unemployment.

Furthermore, this is certainly not consistent with the philosophy of a so-called human rights city. What if the resources used to install gates, spikes, reinvent metro benches and police encampments were focused on bringing people in rather than keeping people out?

The gates in the former Foggy Bottom encampment cost over $500,000. This figure alone could provide subsidies for numerous individuals or families for one year or operate a cooperative partnership between businesses and providers able to initiate substantive employment and housing needs. Adding additional barriers separate from the outrageous, already existing bureaucratic gridlock is downright mean, doesn’t solve the problem, sends the message that human rights is a luxury and only gives housed neighbor’s an unobstructed view of the Potomac.

In a political climate of walls and isolation, we need a bridge between all residents, business associations and labor. The remedy is very simple: gainful permanent employment and affordable housing. Business owners, residents and developers who enjoy the comforts of a nice warm bed in a secure building and a full bank account need to partner with programs and services connecting individuals to gainful employment solutions and housing opportunities that are affordable, safe, clean and near amenities that meet daily basic life needs.

Social workers and outreach teams can

STREET SENSE February 22 - March 7, 2017

1#1

OPINION

saturate every quadrant of Washington, D.C., but without solid employment and housing resources, there are no measurable or lasting results.

We don’t need another study, another 10-year plan to end homelessness or a well-paid policy wonk from Peoria who has no institutional memory, no substantial connection to labor or is unfamiliar with the city’s geography to solve problems that are now sadly woven into the fabric of the city. And, we certainly don’t need gainful employment and housing to become another agenda item on the third or fourth 10-year plan in 20 years to end homelessness in the District.

We n e e d a g o o d d o s e o f r e a l i t y combined with cooperation, compromise and empathy between providers, businesses and resident associations. We need labor to step up to help navigate opportunities in the trades and service industry. We need local business and companies moving into the District to participate in job training programs and offer positions to District residents first.

We need transitional housing to help individuals maintain employment. We need rent control.

But most importantly, we need an opportunity to dispel myths about homelessness and poverty so we can be creative and come together with permanent and lasting solutions that afford people the opportunity to “just get a job”. We need to stop being a city of clutch-your-pearls liberals and take the human rights stuff seriously.

Julie Turner is a social worker and activist, tasked part time to Street Sense clients.

Follow John Lewis’ Lead in Trump’s America

By Angie Whitehurst People on both sides didn’t necessarily like who they voted for, but they swallowed it. America has a system that operates on principle of good sportsmanship.

But I still believe the biggest disservice to the American people was when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton didn’t come out herself to give a concession speech. She sent out a bureaucrat and employee to tell people to go home and come back in the morning. I think that 24 hours gave people a lot of fear and anxiety.

And that’s still rolling on.

No one knows where we are headed. And that doesn’t feel good.

In my heart of hearts, I believe what Democratic Georgia Rep. John Lewis said in our interview – about believing in our legislative process but working hard to

make change and making our voices heard.

His normal stance would be to let things take their natural course. But when no one else was saying anything about being nonviolent, I think he felt compelled to be the voice in the name of peace and in the name of an open democracy.

Lewis said he hears us, and that he will be a voice for us because no one else decent stepped into that role. President Barack Obama certainly didn’t. He used the “I’m on my way out of here, and I’m the president of the U.S., so I’m not going to take a stance one way or the other” excuse. He implied plenty of things but made no strong statements. We didn’t get any direction.

Lewis is as close as we have to a national leadership figure that people across the board respect and might listen to. Democrats probably need to hear from

him more than anyone else. Democratic Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who ran against Clinton in the primary, didn’t come out on election night either. And that day really set the tone and speed for everything that’s been happening.

Lewis is going to give all Americans a voice. And nobody’s voice will be ignored because the Constitution gives us that right. The pursuit of happiness, freedom of speech, the legislative process. Based on our past interview, I imagine Lewis might say, thinking of the way forward, something like this: “Give me your hand, and I will hold you up. Give me your ear, and I will listen and acknowledge the people’s right to free speech and dissent. Give me your strength, as a human being, and I will stand with you and echo your voices so, so strong. It is our way and the way of our civilized existence.

I will bite the bullet and bare the pain, nonviolently, of course. We as humans are exemplary. We are America. We are human beings who must strive to live together in peace with respect and dignity. I believe it is my duty to let you be heard. After all, it is written in the Constitution, and I will let you speak and you will be heard. I will be the seat at the table, and we will make a more perfect union. One voice, one party, one entity does not make a nation. It is all of, we the people.”

Thank you, Representative Lewis, for leading the way, for I believe you paved a more peaceful path for the Inauguration and the Women’s March on Washington. No one likes to be ignored.

Angie Whitehurst is a vendor/artist for Street Sense.

The Street Sense Writers’ Group is led by writing professionals and meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The group’s goal is to develop ideas and collaborate on the next great issue of Street Sense.

The Month of February

By Latishia Graham Artist/Vendor

Hi Street Sense family. I love the month of February because it is Black History Month.

I love Martin Luther King Jr.; (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968); he was an important American Baptist minister and activist who was a leading African-American.

I also love Valentine’s Day, showing and giving love to someone. I hope you had a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Frederick Douglass Was Not “Great”

By Ken Martin Artist/Vendor A giant among men, but not necessarily "Great."

Great is a term which I like to save, descriptively speaking, for God. Jesus is Lord. God is great. I’m speaking for self, so please no criticism on that one.

Now, if there were a Mount Rushmore for Blacks — not that there should be or would be — it would have to start with Frederick Douglass. We could argue all day and all night about who else would go up on that mountain tribute. I'm sure we have to include Martin Luther King Jr. He made most significant contributions to the entire world, but he would not have accomplished what he did had there not been the path cut by Frederick Douglass.

It was because of Frederick Douglass that my mom, unbeknownst to us, made me read the biographies of "Great" Black men as a child. The ones they had at libraries. The few that were allowed that is. Remember this was the early 60s. We were permitted to read about those that were "credits to our race," like George Washington Carver, Booker T Washington, and yes, among others, the "tolerated" revolutionary Frederick Douglass.

Innocently as would a child, I learned of our resilience and capacity to withstand injustices and pain, of our ability to use them to overcome unfavorable circumstances of life.

It doesn't make one great.

I don't remember most of what I read about Frederick Douglass. To be frank (Ken is highly preferred), it was over 50 years ago and, while I have visited Frederick Douglass' home at Cedar Hill in Southeast D.C. and his museum on capitol hill, I need not elaborate on my memories.

If I did that, you probably wouldn't visit either of them.

Far be it for me to deny you the opportunity to learn what this man, with virtually no external resources at his disposal, achieved.

What I will share is the input I received when I asked my niece, son and daughter "What about him affected your lives?"

Irish Home Rule (a movement that agitated for self-government for Ireland within the UK).

•

•

2. There are many interesting and profound facts surrounding Mr. Douglass. Born into slavery is miniscule in comparison to all he achieved for Blacks and overcame in his lifetime. The following are nine interesting facts about Frederick Douglass: (1) Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, the year 1818 in Talbot, MD; (2) He chose his name from a character from Sir Walter Scott’s “The Lady of the Lake”; (3) Although born a slave, he escaped in 1838 and eventually settled with his wife in New Bedford, Mass.; (4) Published his autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave in 1848.; (5) A strong supporter of the women’s rights movement, he attended the famous Seneca Falls Conference in 1848.; (6) He is best known for the newspaper he founded “The North Star” an abolitionist newspaper; (7) He consulted with President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and helped influence the Emancipation Proclamation. After Lincoln’s death Mrs. Lincoln sent her late husband’s walking stick to Mr. Douglass. (8) Mr. Douglass was nominated for Vice President of the United States as a member of the Equal Rights Party in 1872; (9) He died in 1895 in Washington, DC. 3. ”The following is an insert taken from his memoir “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” [Douglass is astounded by the strange kindness of his new mistress, Sophia Auld. Mrs. Auld has never owned a slave before and seems untouched by the evils of slavery. Douglass is confused by her. Unlike other white women, she does not appreciate his subservience and does not punish him for looking her in the eye. Yet, after some time, the disease of slaveholding overtakes Mrs. Auld too. Her kindness turns to cruelty, and she is utterly changed as a person], Ch. V-VI.

Here is what I received: •

1. Frederick Douglass became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes including women’s rights and

As an intellect and man of great wisdom, Mr. Douglass left us with many quotes and pearls to live by: •

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men” ( a personal favorite).

•

“I prefer to be true to myself even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and incur my own abhorrence”

The National historic site where Mr. Douglass lived from 1877– 1895 is located in SE, Washington, DC. It can be said with admiration, great pride and even astonishment, given his insurmountable challenges, that Frederick Douglass has left behind a legacy unlike many.

Yes, many of his accomplishments were actually great.

During Black History Month men and women of color are given the title Great. Their accomplishments were just that. Given the months of February through December there might still not be enough time to list the contributions of African-Americans to our world.

Doesn't make them Great. Frederick Douglass was a MAN. To many "a great man, recognized more and more each day. (paraphrasing Donald Trump)" In actuality he was not great. He was REAL. He didn't just perform great acts that changed the course of the world. This was a self-made man, breaking down barriers, blazing trails, opening doors, correcting skewed mindsets, proving the value of the oppressed and achieving goals others, White or Black, never even considered. Imagine, a slave being a viable vice presidential nominee.

But not Great!

Because not he nor Ben Franklin, Dwight Eisenhower, MLK Jr., Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, the Brothers Kennedy, or the rest who have accomplished world altering tasks are Great. They did what they were supposed to do: serve their purpose on planet Earth by using the gifts talents and resources provided them by the creator of their choice to leave this place better than they found it for the sake/benefit (not detriment) of future generations of all color and beliefs.

That does not make a man great. Nor worthy of recognition. It makes him an actualized citizen of planet Earth. A leader, a teacher, a role model, a person of honor who set a high bar for himself and the ones behind him.

Frederick Douglass did what he was supposed to do.

Frederick Douglass cared.

That's what we all should do. Not for riches, fame, or greatness — but because we know it's the right thing!

Frederick Douglass was a righteous man.

Paula Essex, Ronald Gross Jr. and Justice Martin contributed to this work.

~My Art is Black!~

STREET SENSE February 22 - March 7, 2017

13

VENDOR WRITING

Reflections on Black History Month

My Month

By Levester Green Artist/Vendor Every morning I wake, I got to thank GOD with a prayer: Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust, for those no longer here.

By Sheila White Artist/Vendor

Now we can break bread, got crust? That’s just the top layer, player, as they peel it back to lay ya’ flat on your back for that Eternal nap!

Black History Month is a time to share and celebrate what we have accomplished as Black humans. February reminds us of where we came from and where we are going.

I can remember when we couldn’t drive the bus or even sit in the front of the bus. Now we have Black bus drivers.

Our race has accomplished a lot. We have contributed much to society and we will keep on keepin’ on with that. Now we have a month to reflect on our achievements. And after many, many years, we finally have the National Museum of African-American History and Culture to celebrate our heritage. I’m proud to say that even though the whole story about one’s heritage is never told, at least we have some idea about it. Now we can show and explain to our children and children’s children how their ancestors helped build this country.

I would like to see more exhibits in this museum describing our other contributions to America, such as how Dr. Ben Carson performed the first successful separation of twins. I also want to know who created the first straightening comb. And who was the first Black bus driver? Our children need to know these things.

Black History Month is wonderful. But I don’t need a special month to remind me who I am. I am Black and proud all year.

Did they tell you comeback? No, but still I recycled some from sack and told them this was the Renaissance and My Art is Black!

A Spiritual Awakening as I’m wiping the Angel dust from my Angel eyes to reveal this Rebirth of the Poetical Chastise and just like Maya Angelou and The Phoenix, Still I Rise!~

Black to Love and Praise

By Robert Warren Artist/Vendor Black to love Black to praise All before the sun was raised.

Black praise the Lord in the melon of our skin our hearts’ Black Blood that marks our place in the sky.

Black to love from dawn of time to the sun that shines to the Lord in heaven.

Black to praise the Lord as we close our eyes to the darkness of the mind in the love of the Lord as we dream in the Blackness of the night in time.

Black to praise the Lord to sing with the angels with love coming out of the Black Whole of Life.

Black to love the Lord, to give thanks for the Blackness of the soils that bring forth the Fruits of Life.

To live Black.

To praise the Lord in the beauty of Being Black.

Black to love Blacks’ faces to the sons who praise with all their might, bowing to know that’s how light gets in.

Celebrating Black History Month Black to praise the Lord for justice that stands in the Blackness of Truth.

For Black is to praise the Lord in all that we do.

To be Black is to praise the Lord with your heart, soul and mind all in time. Black to love and praise the Lord to the Black death of dying.

Black to love in all that you do. For Black is to praise the Lord inside of you.

Love Black to praise the Lord in a way that will get you through.

To ring the bells that still can ring free.

Black to love and praise the Lord.

There can never be too much Black.

By Tammy Michele Rice, Volunteer

Celebrating Black History Month And you won’t fill your head up with junk!

A time to reflect on the past, And prepare for the future.

A time to celebrate our Black people And to go deeper.

A time to thank God for bringing us this far, And letting us see the morning star!

In Honor of Carl Maxie Brashear

By Leonard Hyater Artist/Vendor Carl Brashear was the first African-American Navy sea diver.

He was one of the 16 top graduates from his class at the Naval Academy. His first job was to serve as mate first class for Chief Boatswain. As a diver, Brashear had to retrieve approximately 16,000 rounds of ammunition, to salvage airplanes and to recover multiple dead bodies.

Later in life, Master Chief Petty Officer Carl M. Brashear met President Eisenhower, who awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest navy award for noncombat heroism.

Brashear lost his left leg while serving his country and remained at the medical center in Portsmouth, Virginia, from May 1966 until March 1967.

He recovered from this long struggle and returned to full active duty. He has left an inspiring legacy behind him.

Rest in Peace,

Al Jarreau The internationally beloved American Jazz, R&B, soul and pop musician passed away at age 76 on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.

A

l Jarreau was one of the greatest performers of all time. I can remember watching one of his performances when he did a rendition of Take Five. The way he imitated the instrument by scatting it was breath taking!

Seeing Al sing — whenever he opened his mouth — would bring such wonderment. Other favorites he did were “Burst in With the Dawn,” “Spain,” and “Mornin’” and “We Got By.” “Letter Perfect” was one of his best, but I could go on and on. As far as I am concerned, all of his songs were the best, especially “Spain” performed live. He will be missed, but his music will live on. Go on YouTube and check it out.

—Leonard Hyater Artist/Vendor

I

’ve enjoyed listening to this guy for 40 years and I never realized how long it was, nor how incomparable he was, until the day of his Earthly departure. He was always one of my favorite singers and entertainers! He composed, produced and danced. His voice was that of a one-man combo. No male singer reached his level of versatility.

This last scheduled tour, for me, reflects the highs and lows of his vocal range: I was looking up and forward to his 2017 D.C. appearance, then low and saddened to learn of his illness. High and delighted to learn that he’d still be coming to town. That show was going to be my gift to me.

My reward for a horrible holiday season Suddenly low when, at age 76, he announced his retirement from touring due to his illness. Lower still as I learned of his death.

Al Jarreau to me is the male jazz vocalist equivalent to the Emperors Mike (Jackson and Jordan) — only more so!

That is to say, G-O-A-T. Greatest Of All Time.

Two very different stars of very different skill sets.

You can compare Prince, James Brown, Usher, and a few others to Michael Jackson. Kobe Bryant, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson and LeBron James could be contenders to Jordan. But who would you stand up against Al Jarreau?

Bobby McFerrin (“Don’t Worry Be Happy”) and Jon Hendricks (of Hendricks, Lambert, & Ross)? No thanks.

While these vocalists personified excellence, they don’t legitimately come close to Al. He was measures (no pun intended) ahead. Jon Hendricks was one of his influences. Al had different talents.

And that’s what life is really all about: using what we have to do our best and caring in the process.

It’s not that he or anyone else was better or more talented. Al Jarreau took HIS unique gifts and propelled himself to the highest known level in his profession: Legend.

I, for one, believe it will be generations before there is another like him. If you would like to hear a sampling of his work, I am posting some favorites in a playlist online as tribute: StreetSense.org/al-jarreau Thank you.

—Ken Martin Artist/Vendor

Proud of my Brother

By Ricardo Meriedy Artist/Vendor My brother lived a long life even though there was a crack addition and angel dust — practically every drug you could name. When he came to reality he became a so-called pimp. Believe me, this is all true, what I am saying about my brother. He was in a world of his own.

Yes, he drove fancy cars, dressed nice, had the girls, plus he was a drug dealer.

If you know about the street, you can say he was living large, living a lifestyle of using and selling drugs. You know only two consequences will come along: jail or death.

It’s just a matter of time as to when your time comes. His number came up and he went to jail and did four years. While he was incarcerated, he got into the Bible and found God. When he was released from prison he still had God in his heart and right now, today, I am proud of him, proud of my brother.

PERCEPTION OR REALITY: You and I

By Robert Williams, USMC Artist/Vendor Take its course and place in the ride or die Accept me as I am, true friend To be or not to be?

I don't know how to be someone else Heaven, it’s hard enough just tryin; to be me sometimes How can you be you, if you are afraid to allow me to be me?

See me you will, if you dare to open your eyes Hear me you shall, if you listen intently God has not given us the spirit of fear He has given us love, power and sound mind!

The best way to overcome fear is to face it The fiery darts of the enemy may catch you running away For the God-given armor of protection covers the front, not the back Perception or Reality?

Stop running I am not the enemy, my friend You decide if I shall be fortunate enough to be yours

The Unsung

By Ken Martin Artist/Vendor Martin, Malcolm a n d M e d g a r, Frederick, Adam, Barack, Rosa, Mme. CJ; Harriet and Coretta.

And the beat from famous names of February goes on.

But what becomes of the unsung? The ones who moved the trash and debris of the trails blazed by the “household names”?

Who sings the songs of heroes; who threw the blocks and set the picks that made the scores of Black History? Unsung are the men and women who marched behind the names in headlines and died so those trails could become roads to progress, success, and more. They are unsung soldiers without tombs, let alone a hymn. And so shall they remain, because March is nearly here, with few who care to pay tribute to those who have no melody. They remain the unsung.

STREET SENSE February 22 - March 7, 2017

15

COMMUNITY SERVICES Housing/Shelter

Food

Clothing

Showers

Outreach/Case Management

Health Care

Transportation

Laundry

Education

Employment Assistance

Legal Assistance

Vivienda/alojamiento

Comida Seguro

Educación

Assitencia con Empleo

Academy of Hope Public Charter School: 269-6623 | 601 Edgewood St, NE aohdc.org

Bread for the City: 265-2400 (NW) | 561-8587 (SE) 1525 7th St, NW | 1640 Good Hope Rd, SE breadforthecity.org

Calvary Women’s Services: 678-2341 1217 Good Hope Road, SE calvaryservices.org

Catholic Charities: 772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

Central Union Mission: 745-7118 65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW missiondc.org

Charlie’s Place: 232-3066 1830 Connecticut Ave, NW charliesplacedc.org

Christ House: 328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd, NW christhouse.org

Church of the Pilgrims: 387-6612 2201 P St, NW churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach food (1 - 1:30 on Sundays only) Community Family Life Services: 347-0511 | 305 E St, NW cflsdc.org

Ropa

Lavandería

D.C. Coalition for the Homeless: 347-8870 1234 Massachusetts Ave, NW dccfh.org

Línea de juventud

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: (202) 749-8000 Línea directa de Violencia doméstica

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOTLINE: 1-888-793-4357

Assistencia Legal

Covenant House Washington: 610-9600 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE covenanthousedc.org

Línea directa de alojamiento YOUTH HOTLINE: (202) 547-7777

Duchas

Transportación

Community of Hope: 232-7356 communityofhopedc.org

SHELTER HOTLINE: (202) 399-7093

Línea de Salud del Comportamiento Jobs Have Priority: 544-9128 425 Snd St, NW jobshavepriority.org

Loaves & Fishes: 232-0900 1525 Newton St. NW loavesandfishesdc.org Martha’s Table: 328-6608 2114 14th St, NW marthastable.org

Samaritan Ministry: 1516 Hamilton Street NW | 722-2280 1345 U Street SE | 889-7702 samaritanministry.org

Sasha Bruce Youthwork: 675-9340 741 8th St, SE sashabruce.org

So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 O St, NW | 797-8806 some.org

Father McKenna Center: 842-1112 19 Eye St, NW fathermckennacenter.org

Miriam’s Kitchen: 452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave, NW miriamskitchen.org

Food and Friends: 269-2277 219 Riggs Rd, NE foodandfriends.org (home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc)

My Sister’s Place: 529-5991 (24-hour hotline) mysistersplacedc.org

Thrive DC: 737-9311 1525 Newton St, NW thrivedc.org

N Street Village: 939-2060 1333 N Street, NW nstreetvillage.org

Unity Health Care: 745-4300 3020 14th St, NW unityhealthcare.org

New York Ave Shelter: 832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave, NE

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U St NW | 328-5500 legalclinic.org

Patricia Handy Place for Women: 810 5th Street, NW, NW | 733-5378

The Welcome Table: 347-2635 1317 G St, NW epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable

Foundry Methodist Church: 332-4010 1500 16th St, NW foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities ID (FRIDAY 9-12 ONLY)

Friendship Place: 364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave, NW friendshipplace.org

Georgetown Ministry Center: 338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave, NW georgetownministrycenter.org

Sister and Brother

By Marcus Green, Artist/Vendor

Not everyone who carries your bloodline is your family.

When I lived with my sister and she got rid of some things that my late wife had given me, their value changed to priceless. There’s no justification, moneywise, to get rid of a $3,500 wardrobe in which some things were brand new. So, word to the wise, never, never, never, move in with relatives.

Material possessions are for us to use while we are on earth, and possessions are really overrated. Money, cars, houses — these are things you cannot take with you. The blessing in what happened is that I have a new perspective on family: keep your circle small, every relative is not family.

God bless the child who has his own. I depend on God and self and that’s it.

Samaritan Inns: 667-8831 2523 14th St, NW samaritaninns.org

Mauve Memoirs

By Frederic John, Artist/Vendor Saturday nite stroll Panama hat/oysters; Bay windows/of joy.

Flappping roller curtain, Rusty iron bedstead.

Clack of falling Brick— Silence lays thick.

St. Luke’s Mission Center: 333-4949 3655 Calvert St. NW stlukesmissioncenter.org

Whitman-Walker Health 1701 14th St, NW | 745-7000 2301 MLK Jr. Ave, SE | 797-3567 whitman-walker.org

AN UNSUNG AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERO: MY FATHER

By Conrad Cheek Jr., Artist/Vendor | Photos courtesy Conrad Cheek Jr.

SPOTLIGHT:

I’M THE ADVOCATE NOW!

By James Davis Artist Vendor I recently spoke to the actor Barkhad Abdi and others about homelessness and poverty in D.C. Abdi co-starred with Tom Hanks in the movie “Captain Phillips.”

They wanted to know why so many people were panhandling in D.C. and why so many people in the capital were homeless.

I explained to them that it is best to come downtown and panhandle, especially during rush hour periods. I also told them that people come to D.C. looking for help and trying to obtain services from the government for housing.

They were in town visiting the Somalian Embassy.

THE MARCH, THE GIFT

By Scott Lovell Artist/Vendor I was coming down to the Women’s March and needed something pink to wear, when a girl about seven years old stopped me and handed me a hat she had knitted. The hat was pink.

It was a great march.

Greater than Mr. Trump’s inauguration!

I tried to figure out how she knew I needed the hat. I never did.

February 22 - March 7, 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 8

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

Mail To:

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Washington, DC

Seeing as it is African American History month, I would like to share with you a true story of an unsung American hero, my father Dr. Conrad Hugo Cheek Sr., a former Tuskegee Airman with a Ph. D in nuclear chemistry.

During the 1960s, the United States government had a surplus of chemical weapons that had been piling up since the ‘40s. As a result, we had a problem: how does a country dispose of such deadly ordnance without creating exactly what they were trying to prevent? If they buried it in your backyard, it would be in your well water within 10-20 years.

My exposure and understanding of the situation started one Saturday when we went to my father’s lab at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory back in ‘60s.

He told me to sit on a chair and “do not touch anything.” As I sat on a stool, I noticed that I was next to what seemed to be a 55-gallon aquarium. But there was something strange about this aquarium.

There was one air bubble in it, and somehow it was at the bottom of the tank! As I was in awe of my observations, my father returned and I asked him about the anomaly.

It has been about 50 years, but I feel that his response was “The air bubble is at the bottom of the tank because the pressure in the tank is the same as the pressure 10 miles deep in the ocean, which is 7,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). At that pressure, air becomes heavier than water.”

Over the years, as I have explained this phenomenon to other people, I have come to understand another level of what occurred. I used to say that if or when they come out, the chemicals will not rise to the top of the ocean. They will stay at the bottom, as the air bubble did in the aquarium.

At my current age and because of my knowledge of physics, I have come to the realization that the pressure inside these steel coffins is at our atmospheric pressure of 14 PSI. So whenever they spring a leak, the chemicals will not escape to the surface of the ocean. My opinion now is

that instead, the sea water will seep in and crush, infuse and dilute the chemicals that needed to be disposed of, thus rendering them harmless to the environment.

In 1967, my father was the spokesperson for the government when the Army wanted to sink a ship containing obsolete chemical weapons encased in concrete-filled steel vaults into the Atlantic Ocean. The controversy was national news. He was quoted in newspapers and appeared on a national news program to address the concerns of environmental groups.

I recall seeing him on television when it was black and white, but at the time, I didn’t understand what the program was about. I was 13 years old.

The controversy over dumping chemical weapons in the oceans continued when, in 1970, the Army wanted to sink another ship less than a mile from the ship that was sunk in 1967.

Once again, my father was called on to speak for the government and to oversee the water sampling operation. At the time of his retirement, he was acting superintendent of the Naval Research Laboratory’s environmental services division. He received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for outstanding accomplishments in research for the Navy. He was cited for encouraging high standards of scientific professionalism, responsibility and integrity; and for fostering research of substantial interest and value to the Navy.

Conrad Sr. had always wanted to be an educator, but having the responsibility of being the sole provider for a growing family caused him to defer a career in education. He fulfilled the need to teach by becoming a Professor of Chemistry at Howard University in the evening.

He taught nuclear and radio chemistry, as well as served as thesis advisor for doctoral candidates.

I realize how truly fortunate and extremely blessed we were to have him as a father. And I would like to thank my mother for choosing such a great man.

Permit #568

Thank you for reading Street Sense!

Interested in a subscription? Visit StreetSense.org/subscribe Dr. Cheek in his laboratory. | PHOTO COURTESY OF CONRAD CHEEK JR.